If your summer is crazy busy, does it still count as summer vacation?

Our summer was short, only seven weeks long.  In some ways, that's sad.  In other ways, that's wonderful.  I felt busy  most of the summer, so it seemed to go quickly and I found myself dreading the beginning of school. 

The minute school got out, we packed up the car and headed to the mountains for some camping with the Nielsens.  We did this last year and are hoping to make it a Memorial Day tradition.

Taylor and one of her BFFs.

Emma took to widdling and wouldn't stop!

Sydney and Conner brought their old school papers and burned them ceremoniously.

I cannot even describe how dirty these boys were....and all the other kids too.  I was dying to go home and bathe them!

Taylor recently got the reading bug.  She is devouring chapter books.  It's so fun!

As soon as camping was over, I started wrapping up preparations for our youth stake trek.  I was asked to be on the committee back in October.  I was specifically assigned to create a pioneer village for the kids to spend an afternoon doing pioneer activities.  The rain did not cooperate, but overall it was a success. 

Here is my friends Elizabeth and Emily working at the mercantile.

I stayed for a few days and helping out once the village was over.  I always get emotional seeing those kids reenact the pioneer's experience.  Those pioneers were amazing.  

As soon as we wrapped up trek, I had a week or two before heading to Utah for Shara's wedding.  The family all pitched in to make it a success.  My mom got kidney stones the day before the wedding and had to go to the ER.  Without her, we didn't quite know what to do.  Thankfully, we found one of my mom's infamous notebooks filled with to do lists.  We just started doing everything on the list.  I am sure it's not how she envisioned, but I thought everything was beautiful.

Sure love this family of mine.

After the wedding, we stayed a few days and played in Utah.  Everyone got rides on the motorcycles...but only around the parking lot and under strict instructions to the drivers to NOT goof off!

Of course, the BYU creamery is a must when in Utah.  We are obligated to indoctrinate our kids as much as possible.

Fourth of July Fireworks.

This is pretty much Brent's attitude towards all things fun. 

After the trip, we had a week to recover and prepare for girls camp.  I was the ward camp director and the stake craft person.  It was a bit crazy.  This was Emma's first year at camp and, while she was less than thrilled to have me there, she had a great time.  I cannot say enough good things about the girls in our ward so being in the Young Womens organization is actually a lot of fun.

Emma learned to crochet and wouldn't stop.

Yes, we are as cool and good looking as Charlie's Angels. 

Emma working on one of my crafts....jar lanterns.

We got back from camp and two days later celebrated Taylor's birthday and then started school the next day.  Those are both events deserving of their own posts. 

Life has calmed down a bit and I am wishing for a little more summer fun.